Heavy or prolonged rain can encourage rodents to travel and seek shelter. If their usual outdoor hiding places become wet and your home happens to be accessible and nearby, this may lead to an infestation.
Mice and rats need shelter throughout the year. During periods of heavy rain in the fall, rodents can find themselves displaced from their normal outdoor nesting areas. When that happens, some rodents respond by moving to higher or drier locations. If your garage, shed, crawl space, or basement happens to be nearby and there is a way in, that can lead to them getting inside.
Rain alone won’t give you a rodent problem. They still need a way in. Around Southeast Pennsylvania homes, potential entry points include gaps beneath doors, deteriorated garage seals, foundation cracks, vents, and utility penetrations. If you notice water getting inside through a gap in the home, that deserves to be inspected for water intrusion alone. But if you need another reason, consider the rodent control implications as well.
If you think you might have rodents, some signs you can watch for include droppings, gnaw marks, and the presence of shredded materials like paper, cardboard, and fabric. If you hear repeated shuffling or scratching in walls, that’s another potential clue.
Something else to consider is that rodents need food. At a minimum, you don’t want to give them easy access to it. Trash, bird seed, pet food, compost, and fallen produce can encourage rodents to remain close to a structure even after the rain stops. It helps to seal or clean up these sources of potential food before problems get out of hand.
If you think you might have rodents, it’s a good idea to call a professional. It’s very hard to get rid of rodents on your own. If you’re in this unlucky scenario, Mosquito Squad can help by providing rodent control service.
If fall rain is accompanied by signs of rodents around your Southeast Pennsylvania property, Mosquito Squad of Southeast PA can discuss appropriate pest control options. Call (610) 463-0507 or request a free quote online.
